| Source of Variation |
Possible Effect |
|
| Loading bias of MicroCell chamber |
When loading the MicroCell, the flow dynamics of the chamber cause a
collection of sperm along the distal wall. This could lead to an
underestimation of the sperm concentration. |
| Manufacturer allowed 10% variability in MicroCell chamber depth |
Can cause a 10% over- or underestimation of the concentration |
| Hemacytometer pillar wetting or not |
May cause an overestimation if pillars are not secured |
| Hemacytometer pillar wetting volume |
May cause an additional overestimation if wetting volume is too high |
| Dilutions |
Pipettor inaccuracies are less likely to cause erroneous results with the 1 +
1 dilution used for the MicroCell than with the 1 + 19 dilution used for the
hemacytometer. |
| No. sperm counted |
In this study, the number of sperm counted with the 2 chambers was different.
Using our hemacytometer protocol, approximately 200-225 sperm were counted for
each count, regardless of the concentration. The average number of sperm
counted for each count using our MicroCell protocol was approximately 250
sperm; however, the number counted varied according to the sperm concentration
and was highest when the sperm concentration was highest. |
